What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?
A respiratory therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in treating patients with breathing difficulties and cardiopulmonary disorders. They work with physicians and nurses to assess patients, perform diagnostic tests, administer treatments, and manage ventilators or other life-support equipment. RTs care for patients of all ages, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
Respiratory therapists are employed in hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and home health settings. Their work requires technical expertise in respiratory equipment and therapies, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to act quickly in life-threatening situations. They also educate patients and families on managing respiratory conditions at home.
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Respiratory Therapist Core Responsibilities
- Evaluate patients and perform diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gases and pulmonary function tests
- Administer respiratory treatments, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, and chest physiotherapy
- Manage ventilators and other life-support equipment in critical care settings
- Respond to emergency situations such as cardiac arrest and trauma cases
- Collaborate with physicians to develop treatment plans for respiratory conditions
- Educate patients and families about disease management and equipment use
- Maintain accurate patient records and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations
- Monitor patients’ progress and adjust therapies as needed
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in respiratory therapy equipment and ventilator management
- Ability to conduct diagnostic testing and interpret results
- Knowledge of cardiopulmonary diseases and treatments
- Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Strong understanding of infection control and safety protocols
Soft skills
- Compassion and empathy when working with patients in distress
- Strong communication and patient education skills
- Critical thinking and quick decision-making in emergencies
- Teamwork and collaboration in clinical environments
- Attention to detail in documentation and patient monitoring
Education
- Associate’s degree in respiratory therapy required
- Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or healthcare preferred
Certifications
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the NBRC required
- State licensure required in most states
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required; Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may also be required depending on setting
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or related healthcare field
- Advanced certifications such as:
- NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist)
- ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist)
- SDS (Sleep Disorders Specialist)
- Experience in specialized settings such as NICU, ICU, or pulmonary rehabilitation
- Bilingual communication skills for working with diverse patient populations
National Average Salary
RT salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Respiratory Therapist (RT) is:
$78,276
Sample Job Description Templates for Respiratory Therapists
Entry-Level Respiratory Therapist
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level respiratory therapist to join our care team and provide treatment to patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions. This role is designed for newly credentialed therapists who are ready to apply their education and training in a clinical setting under the guidance of senior staff.
Responsibilities
- Perform patient assessments and document findings in the EHR
- Administer treatments including oxygen therapy and nebulizer medications
- Monitor patients’ responses and adjust therapies as directed
- Assist in managing ventilators under supervision
- Educate patients and families about respiratory equipment and home care
- Follow infection control and safety protocols
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic proficiency in ventilator operation and respiratory equipment
- Knowledge of cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology
- Familiarity with diagnostic procedures such as ABGs
- Understanding of medical terminology and treatment protocols
Soft skills
- Compassion and empathy for patients and families
- Strong attention to detail in monitoring and documentation
- Good communication skills with healthcare team members
- Willingness to learn and take direction
Education
- Associate’s degree in respiratory therapy required
Certifications
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential required
- State licensure required
- BLS certification required
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical internship in hospital or acute care setting
- ACLS or PALS certification
Mid-Level Respiratory Therapist
Position Overview
Our hospital is hiring a mid-level respiratory therapist to provide independent patient care and manage moderate to complex respiratory cases. This role requires hands-on experience and the ability to respond effectively in critical situations.
Responsibilities
- Conduct full respiratory assessments and develop treatment plans
- Manage ventilators, BiPAP, and CPAP devices
- Perform diagnostic testing such as pulmonary function tests
- Respond to emergency situations including rapid response and code blue events
- Collaborate with physicians and nurses on patient care strategies
- Document patient progress and update care plans as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in ventilator management and airway care
- Ability to perform ABG analysis and interpret results
- Experience with advanced respiratory treatments and devices
- Competence with EHR systems
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Ability to remain calm and focused in emergencies
- Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare staff
- Time management and organizational skills
Education
- Associate’s degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred
Certifications
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential required
- State licensure required
- BLS and ACLS certifications required; PALS preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of respiratory therapy experience
- Experience in ICU or ER settings
Senior Respiratory Therapist
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior respiratory therapist to provide advanced respiratory care, mentor junior staff, and manage complex patient cases. This position requires expertise in critical care and leadership capabilities.
Responsibilities
- Oversee care for patients with advanced respiratory conditions
- Mentor and train entry-level and mid-level therapists
- Manage ventilators and other life-support equipment in ICU settings
- Participate in developing protocols and best practices for the department
- Provide education to patients and families with chronic respiratory diseases
- Lead quality improvement initiatives related to respiratory care
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced expertise in ventilator management and critical care
- Ability to develop and implement respiratory care protocols
- Proficiency in advanced diagnostic testing and interpretation
- Knowledge of infection control and safety standards
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Excellent problem-solving and clinical judgment
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or healthcare preferred
Certifications
- RRT credential required
- State licensure required
- BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications required
- Specialty certification such as NPS or ACCS recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of clinical respiratory therapy experience
- Experience in teaching or training roles
Lead Respiratory Therapist
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead respiratory therapist to supervise respiratory therapy staff, manage departmental workflows, and ensure high-quality patient care. This role combines advanced clinical responsibilities with team leadership.
Responsibilities
- Supervise daily operations of respiratory therapy staff
- Assign caseloads and oversee performance evaluations
- Ensure compliance with hospital policies and accreditation standards
- Manage complex or escalated patient cases
- Provide training and mentorship for staff development
- Collaborate with physicians and department leaders on treatment strategies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in respiratory care practices and critical care management
- Ability to supervise and train clinical staff
- Strong knowledge of compliance and accreditation standards
- Proficiency with EHR systems and reporting
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and organizational abilities
- Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to balance administrative and clinical duties
Education
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; associate’s degree considered with experience
Certifications
- RRT credential required
- State licensure required
- BLS and ACLS certifications required
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous supervisory or lead role in respiratory care
- Specialty certification such as NPS or ACCS
Respiratory Therapy Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a respiratory therapy manager to oversee the operations of the respiratory department, manage staff performance, and ensure patients receive the highest quality care. This position requires strong clinical knowledge and proven leadership skills.
Responsibilities
- Direct daily operations of the respiratory care department
- Manage staffing schedules, hiring, and training
- Oversee compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements
- Develop and implement departmental policies and procedures
- Monitor department performance metrics and report to hospital leadership
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on patient care initiatives
Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth knowledge of respiratory therapy standards and regulations
- Ability to manage departmental budgets and resources
- Experience with compliance, safety, and accreditation audits
- Strong data analysis and reporting skills
Soft skills
- Leadership and staff development abilities
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Excellent organizational and strategic planning abilities
- Clear communication across all levels of staff and leadership
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or healthcare administration required; master’s preferred
Certifications
- RRT credential required
- State licensure required
- BLS and ACLS certifications required
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of respiratory therapy experience with at least 2 years in management
- Experience leading large teams in acute care settings
Director of Respiratory Care
Position Overview
We are hiring a director of respiratory care to provide executive leadership for the respiratory therapy department. This role oversees strategy, compliance, staffing, and budgeting while ensuring that respiratory services align with organizational goals.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute strategic goals for respiratory care services
- Oversee departmental budgets, staffing, and resource allocation
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards
- Represent the department in executive meetings and strategic planning sessions
- Lead recruitment, retention, and professional development of respiratory staff
- Collaborate with physicians, administrators, and other department leaders to optimize patient care
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert knowledge of respiratory therapy practices, compliance, and regulations
- Strong financial and operational management skills
- Proficiency in strategic planning and policy development
- Ability to manage large teams and multi-unit operations
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and communication abilities
- Strategic vision and ability to align departmental goals with organizational objectives
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to inspire and motivate multidisciplinary teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or MBA strongly preferred
Certifications
- RRT credential required
- State licensure required
- BLS and ACLS certifications required
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of respiratory therapy experience, including leadership roles
- Proven success in managing departmental budgets and scaling services